RECIPROCITY WITH SOUTH AFRICA.

Evening Star, Issue 13002, 22 December 1906, Page 10

RECIPROCITY WITH SOUTH AFRICA.

THE PREMIER ON THE TREATY. WELLINGTON, December 22. In speaking to a ‘ Times ’ reporter on the South African Reciprocity Treaty, announced by him last night, the Premier said that there was at present practically no trade from South Africa to New Zealand ; it was all fr-im New Zealand to South Africa. Thera was practically no sacrifice on the part of New Zealand —that was estimating the loss of revenue, on tho basis of tho previous import trade. Tho re ha to on tobacco referred to tho South African product, and the duty levied on tea applied to foreign tea. At present tea from British possessions is duty free, but foreign lea is subject to a duty of 2d per lb Sir Joseph tried to get the duty on feathers kept, as at present, at 25 per cent., but the South African Government would not entertain this proposal. Tho only wine made in South Africa is a sort of Constantia, of which none is at present imported into New Zealand. The Premier emphasised the point that New Zealand is doing trade at present in all products on which South Africa had made concessions, while South Africa has practically no trade on which South Africa is receiving concessions from us. South Africa wanted a concession of 6s per gallon on spirits, but tho New Zealand Government would not listen to this. If New Zealand did ever alter the present duty of 16s per gallon on spirits there was a.i understanding that South Africa should get the benefit of it, but this could be left out of consideration, as there was no intention of doing so Tlio Treaty comes into operation on January 1, and will expire next session unless Parliament renews it. Similar treaties have been concluded between South Africa and Canada and Australia.